Nov 01, 201801:04PM

I'm an immigrant, and I'm an anarcho-capitalist, so even most Libertarians are too statist for me, and I'm rather outside of American socio-political groups.

But you know what I'd like to see?

Just once, I'd like a "liberal" to explain what Trump has actually done to hurt them.

It goes like this:

Me: Trump's made some bad choices, like Sessions, but on the whole, he's been no worse than anyone else. What are you so bent out of shape about your need to riot or endorse rioting?

Liberal: RUSSIAN COLLUSION!

Me: No evidence exists of that. Mueller's spent two years and found nothing. All the leaks were from Hillary's end. What has Trump done to hurt you?

Liberal: RACIST IMMIGRATION POLICIES!

Me: 0bama had a higher deportation rate than Trump. And you're not an illegal immigrant. What has he done to hurt you?

Liberal: VOTER SUPPRESSION!

Me: Those are state level laws, and have near unanimous SCOTUS endorsement, therefore they're Constitutional. They started under 0bama. What has Trump done to hurt you?

NPC: NAZI!

Me: He's the first president to recognize Israel's capital, has 14 Jewish cabinet heads, a Jewish daughter and son in law, and Jewish grandkids. He is not any kind of socialist. Therefore, he cannot possibly be a Nazi, and has done nothing remotely resembling what the Nazis did. WHAT HAS HE DONE TO HURT YOU?

NPC: HE'S DESTROYING THE GOVERNMENT!

Me: He's cut back red tape that meant more generic prescription medications became available, cheaper, and your pharmacist is allowed to tell you about those options. Even Sessions is backing off on opposing state level "medical marijuana" statutes.

This is the same government you claim is murdering minorities, and has a SWAT team to collect on arrears student loans.

It's the same government that was trying to demand CDLs for taxi drivers and couriers, threatening your precious gig economy. How has him reducing its scope hurt you?

NPC: BOOOOOOOSH!

Me: You got off script there, dumbass.

NPC: RRRAAAAAACCIIIISSST!

Me: Against whom?

NPC: MUSLIM BAN!

Me: The list of 6 nations with restricted immigration does not include the 6 most populous Muslim nations. It does not include 210 nations Muslims live in. It does not allow anyone--even atheists and Christians--from those 6 nations to enter the US, without additional scrutiny on a case by case basis. It's based on the fact those 6 nations cannot even confirm their own passports are real. SCOTUS upheld the authority unanimously. Muslims enter this nation every day, and live here unmolested, even when they make vile anti-semitic comments and file civil cases to be allowed to butcher their female children's genitalia. And you're not Muslim. Name a single thing Trump has done to hurt you.

NPC: MIGRANT CONVOY!

Me: It's in Mexico. Further, as you admit, they're migrants, not "refugees" under the definition created by your precious UN. Therefore, they can't even reasonably ask for asylum, and Mexico is under no obligation to take them. Nor are we. Nor is Canada. By the way, BOTH of those nations have stricter laws of entry than the US. Under what strange logical chain are Central American migrants in Mexico a Trump issue, unless and until they get here, where they will be treated according to the same established laws 0bama treated them according to? WHAT THE FUCK HAS TRUMP ACTUALLY DONE TO HURT YOU?

NPC: RESISSSSSSST!

Comments below. Can a single one of you Demorrhoid NPCs name a single thing Donald Trump has done that hurts you?

(This early referenced "George W. Trump" as a satirical reference to that senile hag Pelosi, who can't seem to remember what his name is.)

May 28, 201809:26PM

Old, archived, posted here for your amusement. Started out as a discussion of Zer0 the Fuckup's notions of health insurance management.

~~~~

If only there were some way to offer more, cheaper options....

How to Make Health Insurance Less Expensive: Stop Requiring More Expensive Plans
For those still scratching their heads, trying to figure out how to produce a health insurance market where premiums are less expensive, it turns out
REASON.COM
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D. R. Zinn, Justin Chamberlin, Sean Naylor and 34 others like this.
3 shares

George Avery I made that argument on a PBS show filmed by WNIT in 2009.
8 hrs · Like · 1

Mark Wandrey First thing they did is outlaw the catastrophic only coverage that I used to have for years. Even when I had to work 2 jobs to make ends meet, I could still afford that policy. They're just helping the shit out of poor people, aren't they?
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Mark Wandrey They 'progressives and gimme-dats' have turned 'insurance' into a benefit. We're fucked.
8 hrs · Like · 4

Michael Z. Williamson Mark Wandrey: that plan was inadequate and racist, and if you were enlightened you'd know that.
8 hrs · Like · 12

George Avery Adding in guaranteed issue and community rating (so the underwriters can't judge risk and set rates based on it) also drives up costs.
8 hrs · Like · 4

Mark Wandrey I know. I'm going to go get a sex change now.

Where do i go for race reassignment? I'm tired of being an oppressor.
8 hrs · Like · 1

George Avery I got attacked by some biddy retired from IU when I gave a talk on the problems and logical fallacies of the ACA in 2011 at the Indiana Public Health Association Meeting - and even though she agreed I was probably right
8 hrs · Like

Mike Walther Yep, first thing Obamacare did was make the most affordable health insurance plans illegal. Only a moron would conclude that this would actually make health insurance plans "more affordable."
8 hrs · Like · 5

George Avery But if you like your plan, you can keep it. Right?
8 hrs · Like · 5

Eric A. Carr I used to have insurance from my employer tailor-made for me. Now I have to have women's healthcare coverage and pediatric coverage (including dental and eye care). I have to pay extra for dental and eye care for myself. And I'm single with no child...See More
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George Avery That wasn't the point - it was about control. That has been the subtheme in the healthcare reformers since the 1920s. Whatever benefits they claimed at the time, they always claimed that it was necessary to have "experts" controlling the decision so that everyone got the "right" coverage/care/etc.
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Kevin J. Coolidge Hey, an even better idea is make health care affordable, and then I'd just pay out of pocket for the 3 times I've been to the doctor.
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George Avery This really gets me going - I did my PhD in Health Services Research and Policy at Minnesota (one of the few islands of non-Leftist thought on the issue, ironically). I am amazed at how many supposed health economists completely toss what we know about...See More
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George Avery For office visits, you can often get a lower rate for paying cash than insurance companies negotiate - it is worth it to the practice to avoid the administrative headaches of dealing with a health plan. Probably not a coincidence that the sharp rise in...See More
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Wick Deer But the free market was working so well pre-ACA.
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Mark Wandrey When one wing of your house is on fire, tossing a Molotov in another room and declaring the problem fixed is a uniquely progressive solution.
7 hrs · Like · 7

Mark Wandrey The ACA was designed to fix things so well that a single payer would look like an improvement. Congrats, Wickie, you're crowd has got it down pat.
7 hrs · Like · 5

George Avery We haven't had a reasonably free healthcare market since before 1965. In the 1950s, the federal government started requiring restrictions on the supply of care under guaranteed issue rules (bought with funds for upgrading hospitals). Medicare and Medic...See More
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Deborah S Franklin Tobacco surcharge goes into effect in 2015. No, I don't smoke, but being forced to take a blood test to prove I'm not lying, makes my blood pressure rise. Surely that's not healthy? And what gets me are people who are okay with that but are livid over an employment or welfare piss test! How is one humiliating and degrading and the other not?
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Robert Ries What 'free market'? The one that forbade insurance being sold across state lines?
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Autumn Crow I like my marketplace healthcare. I used to pay $250 a month for a really crappy plan. You old guys pay for what we want, and us younger people will burden the wars, bailouts, insane tax cuts for corporations, we will also take your social security, and call it even
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George Avery The sad thing is, you young people get screwed the worst by Obamacare. You are the lowest risk portion of the population, and end up under community rating being charged much higher premiums than you would if your premiums were fully risk adjusted. We ...See More
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Autumn Crow Yeah? I pay $50 a month for a pretty great plan that has a $700 maximum out of pocket deductible. I used to pay $250 a month for a $1000 minimum deductible, and was denied coverage several times due to pre-existing conditions. How is that worse? I have two jobs and I'm a nursing student with a pile of student debt. Seriously.
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Autumn Crow And risk? I had meningitis last year. I have tmd. My sister has high blood pressure. I know a lot of young people with health problems, most likely due to people dumping crap into our food due to lax regulations.
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Autumn Crow Raise taxes on the abominably wealthy. Actually make companies that have businesses here pay taxes here. You old guys let that happen.
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Autumn Crow And there's a special thing you do to food.... You wash it
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George Avery What? Roundup? Breaks down into the most common amino acid and phosphate on contact with chlorine. Rinse with tap water. Sevin (most common cholineesterase inhibitor pesticide) has a half-life of days and is easily removed by rinsing, as opposed to old...See More
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Mark Wandrey George, the young always get screwed the most in socialist schemes. Well, the old too, but they have less to lose (according to libprogs).
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Autumn Crow I think that arguing that we are better than we used to be is a foolish argument. I disagree with it because we have different diseases of the mind and body that are far more alien than E. coli or salmonella. We could be a lot better if we made adjustm...See More
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Autumn Crow Yes, the young were screwed into interstates, active duty military with healthcare and gi bill, federal aid for students, Medicaid/Medicare... You were so screwed, you shouldn't even bother with any of these things. Don't drive on my roads, don't use my police, don't call my ems.
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Michael Z. Williamson Autumn Crow: It's cute that you think companies pay taxes. I just move that into the "Expense" column, and charge it to the customer, plus bookkeeping costs and markup. _YOU_ pay 100% of corporate taxes, just in the most passive-aggressive fashion possible.

And 100% of Bill Gates' wealth would last the USG less than a day.

As to his income, he earns under a million $ a year. The rest is held in a trust which he directs. You'll never touch it, and if you try, he can host it in a more reasonable nation (which on this matter, is actually most, even "progressive" Europe doesn't punish corporations the way the US does).

"Your" roads, that you want others to pay for. How cute. How about MY roads, and you stop driving on them until you pay your fair share?
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Gerald Blackwell There is a *much* cheaper option, and given that this is me talkin', everybody here knows what it is...
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Michael Z. Williamson But I do look forward to the full implementation of 0care into the system the Dutch use, where the young are NOT given any exemptions and pay the same as the old guys. That first $12,000 bill for the year will really bring tears of joy to their eyes. That is joy, right?
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Autumn Crow I majored in neuroscience at USC. I'm not as knowledgeable as them, surely, but that doesn't mean they're right.

And I never said corporations pay taxes. I say they don't. Walmart? GE? Soon to be Walgreens... I know a bit about the tax loophole that involves manipulated reporting practices from one country to another in the same business. I don't know how you got that impression. And I don't care what sort of writer you are, I'm not intimidated by condescension. It's the internet. No one cares.
2 hrs · Like

Bill Seward Maybe that "free market" thing could help bring the price down. We ought to try it some time. <Steve Martin>Nah!!</Steve Martin>
2 hrs · Like

Ted Nelson Well, shucks, can we release the Corrieakan yet?

Heck, call LTC Kratman, and end things for sure.
2 hrs · Like

Autumn Crow And I do pay taxes, in the form of sales tax. I am also very very young, and I highly doubt you were contributing much when you were 21.
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Autumn Crow It doesn't really matter how we disagree and bicker. It doesn't matter for very long what your generation thinks. Mine is violent, self-serving, vengeful, desensitized, and quite angry. Yours will be in diapers, too old to drive, too feeble to pull a trigger, when mine decides yours is irrelevant.
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Gerald Blackwell Bill, are you talking about a market free from manipulation and coercion???

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
1 hr · Like · 1

Bill Seward Gerald, I can dream. It's still a free country for certain values of free.
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It is also noted that you have run out of refutations and devolved to insults. That equals concession in the realm of debate.
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Robert Ries As for violent, you are talking to a bunch of people who own many firearms (understatement), train regularly, many have significant military training and the great majority of us have made violence a recreational hobby, in a multitude of forms.

We haven't even STARTED to BEGIN to be 'violent'. But your Grand Theft Auto generation is welcome to try to start the fun and games. Bring it.
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Buddy Ellis Wal-Mart was one of the top paying corporations as far as tax, somewhere around 30 percent, which they happily passed down to you. Oh and that was behind Exxon (go #1!) , who also 'pay no taxes'.
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Joseph Capdepon II Oh please Autumn, get over yourself. You are the worst of the younger generation. How old are you? In your early 20's I take it?

Violent? Ha, you don't know violent. You little idiots may know how to take a shit on cop cars, loiter and put up tents in parks, or set stuff on fire, but you don't know shit about violence. You idiots can't work together.

You idiots will be cannon fodder and nothing more.

It won't be someone like you that is leading, though you may be his play toy, until he gets bored with you and gives you to his men.

No, it is idiots like you that are going to lead us to that path. You love you some big government and you will just keep pushing and pushing until the whole house of cards comes tumbling down.
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Autumn Crow With an annual revenue of over 420 billion, I think that 30 billion is sizeably reduced when you factor in subsidies, what they're not providing for their employees which tax payers are making up for, squashing of local economies, and countless other loopholes I'm sure they find. 4 billion is a lot, but me paying $5,000 to the government on two jobs and a full time college education? That's my rent for 10 months. That's all the gas I use in over a year. It isn't quite equal.
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Buddy Ellis Are you too dense to understand that a tax on corporations is little more than a regressive tax that is handed back down the chain to the customer? And that it hurts 'people working two jobs' to make ends meet more than anyone? Really.
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Joseph Capdepon II Whine, whine, whine. All you types ever do is whine and cry and bitch and moan.

Boo hoo, the evil corporations are doing something evil. We have to get government to stop them! Get government to change something so that something else will be better!

I welcome the collapse. I will laugh and dance with joy as all the whiny little assholes are gobbled up. I will dance with joy as they turn on one another because they have no trust relationship there.
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Autumn Crow I love efficient government, and overweight, Caucasian males in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who can't think of any other better insult than "slut" are simply pathetic.
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Autumn Crow Yes. Because trickle down economics worked very well under the Bush Administration.
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Joseph Capdepon II No Autumn. Read for context. Understand what the words and sentences mean. Not what you think they mean, what they actually mean.
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Autumn Crow I didn't include anyone in their 70s or older. I enjoy voters who remember FDR differently than Fox News.
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Autumn Crow Plenty of governments are efficient. Not perfect, but that's a lot to ask for. How is bailing out the people and jailing the bankers at all not efficient? Providing healthcare and maternity leave? Yes, I think a good and efficient government, small in size, wide in reach, would be a good thing.
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Joseph Capdepon II Oh no y'all. She is pulling out all the stops here. Let's hear how FDR was this awesome President that did wonders for the country. How he got us out of the Great Depression(when actually his programs helped to lengthen it) or how those Japanese-Americans totally deserved to be locked up in camps, have their property and homes confiscated. Or how about Social Security? That was just a brilliant idea there! I love having a portion of my paycheck stolen from me on some vague promise that I may see it when I reach retirement age.
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Michael Z. Williamson When I was 21 I was serving on active duty, earning about 1/4 what the private sector would pay for my skillset. I'm also an immigrant from the utopiae of Canada and the UK. May I suggest you do what I did, find a country you like, and move there?

Oh, voters who remember FDR for stealing their bullion, attempting to pack the Court with extra justices, putting 110,000 Asians in concentration camps, eugenics and racism? (Refused to shake hands with Jesse Owens, which even Hitler did).

Buddy Ellis I'd wonder what you consider 'fair'. 50% 70? 90? At which point have you stolen enough money from others for your 'efficient government?'
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Joseph Capdepon II Well yeah. They totally deserved it though. FDR was doing the *right* thing.
7 mins · Like

Joseph Capdepon II Larry Correia knows a bit about FDR, being he researched him for his Grimnoir series. I'm sure he probably has wonderful things to say about him.
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Autumn Crow I live here. I'm not going anywhere, I didn't offer to move. YOU may move, I you like. I don't care. I reiterate, a citizen in diapers is a citizen that can't very well argue.

FDR did do the right things. And profiling is a real thing. Notice all the people in your mindset. The average FOX news viewer. Baby boomer. Caucasian. Overweight. It's not rude if it's a statistic.
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Tax is a cost to a business. I just move that into the "Expense" column, and charge it to the customer, plus bookkeeping costs and markup. _YOU_ pay 100% of corporate taxes, just in the most passive-aggressive fashion possible.

If you cannot grasp this basic fact, you probably won't enjoy debating here, with people with far more expertise in just about everything than you.
5 mins · Like · 2

Autumn Crow I'm so sorry to tell you this, but tagging people I don't know won't really matter. It's the internet. No one cares.
5 mins · Like

Michael Z. Williamson "FDR did do the right things. And profiling is a real thing."

So, you support putting people in concentration camps based on their race, and continue with the ageism and fat shaming. Please continue. It's fascinating to hear a "liberal" be "tolerant."
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Autumn Crow I never claimed to be liberal. That's a foolish thought.
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Autumn Crow I never said fatso. I said overweight. Those are two things and the former is derogatory.
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Autumn Crow Mine of you is conceited and irrelevant. I guess it would be even.
2 mins · Like

Autumn Crow Except I will be irrelevant after you. I will have time to make your old age just miserable enough
1 min · Like

Joseph Capdepon II Ha ha ha. Now that is funny.
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Michael Z. Williamson So, of the 110,000 Asians FDR put into concentration camps, including George Takei, what percentage would you say were a threat to the US? Please cite your numbers.
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Michael Z. Williamson And obviously, you support the profiling used for Guantanamo, right, Autumn Crow? Or is it only okay when liberals do it? Oh, wait--0bama has yet to close it.
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Joseph Capdepon II And it looks like he will be sending the military back into Iraq as well.
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Joseph Capdepon II When is Code Pink going to start protesting at the White House?
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Autumn Crow I think it was not only his decision. Just like I don't blame George Bush for Iraq. I also think it was precautionary and people were afraid and didn't know what to do. I also think people need to get over it. Shit happens. It sucks. Move on. Great leaders sometimes do shitty things. It happens.
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Buddy Ellis Mike she ain't got no numbers, just a rude, tiresome manner about herself
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Autumn Crow Oh, no, I support Guantanamo.
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Autumn Crow You don't have any numbers. I provided numbers. You did not. I had to go looking for the numbers you provided.
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Joseph Capdepon II What great leader would that be?
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Michael Z. Williamson Well, at least you're an honest fascist. It'll be fascinating when you're the one in the camp, though.
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Brian Smith For those that think we need more government to control powerful corporations, who do you think is going to have more influence over that government? Those big and powerful corporations, or you sitting at home posting snarky memes on facebook (also one of those big evil corporations).
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Autumn Crow This is my night off. I shall do as I please. And no offense, but no one with actual credentials boasts about them on Facebook.
2 mins · Like

Philip S. Bolger I love this thread and everything about it.
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Autumn Crow I assume your nickname in high school?
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Michael Z. Williamson Isn't she just precious? I can't pay for entertainment like this.
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Michael Z. Williamson If you think you can make my life miserable, you arrogate a lot of competence to yourself. I've shit scarier things than you even without the amoebic dysentery I picked up in Iraq.
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Buddy Ellis No, you said they paid no taxes. I said they were in the top ten. Your statement was patently incorrect, abs so you moved the posts and said they didn't pay enough. To which I tried 'how much is enough.' To which you started making more crap up. You're just precious.
2 mins · Like

Philip S. Bolger It's like the universe realized we needed one simple example of everything wrong with the modern left, and lo and behold, a spectacular, shining paragon of such was delivered to the wall of MZW...
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Joseph Capdepon II "I'm not a Progressives/Leftist/Liberal, even though I parrot their talking points about everything!"
1 min · Like · 1

Colin Rierson I'd just like to point out that it isn't just the old farts like Mike who think her line of thought is retarded. Now I'm going back to drinking.
6 mins · Like

Michael Z. Williamson Haha. Oh, she sure told us. We're old (Except I can still pass the PT tests for all four branches as an 18 year old), fat (except I'm about 190 at 6' and can bench her with one arm), stupid (except of course for those of us with advanced degrees and successful careers)(Oh, right, no one with any credibility EVER IDs themself on Facebook) (In her universe, I doubt there are any), and we've been properly put in our place.

I think I'm going to open a bottle of $120 Scotch and console myself. Then I shall retreat to the back room and beat the black gentleman of color I keep to assuage my white privilege.

Buddy Ellis I think you need another pair of parents in there. I only had to read it once.
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Autumn Crow I never said stupid. For a writer, you don't read closely.
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Autumn Crow You can be wrong and smart.
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Autumn Crow Which, you are.
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Autumn Crow And I highly doubt you could maintain PT for the Marines. I require proof. Your word- not good enough, and no one likes a braggart. Except other braggarts.
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Michael Z. Williamson I thought you were leaving. Honesty a problem for you, too?

BTW, looks like your muscle tone is a bit slack. Not getting enough exercise, are we? And I could read from the reflections off your skin. You're whiter than I am and I'm from Scotland.
3 mins · Like · 1

Autumn Crow And fat is a noun. Overweight is an adjective. I continuously press this.
3 mins · Like

Michael Z. Williamson I don't believe I have to prove anything to you. It's the internet. However, google is your friend, and there are plenty of veterans on this wall who've met or served with me.
2 mins · Like · 2

Michael Z. Williamson Overweight still fits the category of "fat shaming." Though looking at your photos, you have little room to talk.
1 min · Like

Michael Z. Williamson And fat can most certainly be an adjective. Is there any subject you do know at an elementary level?
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Autumn Crow I am half Israeli and half native American. My skin color doesn't pose a problem. I don't get enough exercise. I was shot in the chest when I was 17, and I had meningitis last year. I don't have a problem with this.
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Autumn Crow Fat is used incorrectly as an adjective.
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Michael Z. Williamson Ah, a war hero now. And a minority times two. Wait, aren't Jews considered white and privileged now?
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Autumn Crow Apparently not. You seem to enjoy arguing with me.
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Michael Z. Williamson Awesome. I shall certainly consult with you on my next writing contract. I'm sure the editors will approve of your contributions.
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Buddy Ellis Fat. adjective
1.
(of a person or animal) having a large amount of excess flesh.
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Autumn Crow Hahaa you're becoming very nasty it's just the internet.
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Buddy Ellis Try again.
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Michael Z. Williamson Yes, I totally suck. It's the white gene.
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Joseph Capdepon II Wait, people are arguing with you because you claim to be Israeli?
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Benjamin Blatt Fun fact: Autumn's express ageism could bar her from nursing licensure, if anyone cares to screen cap this. Normally I wouldn't give a shit, but Autumn's repeated attempts at fat shaming are annoying.
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Joseph Capdepon II Now people are being mean!

Check your privilege you whitey mchaters!

Autumn Crow I don't really go by the dictionary that included selfie and twerk. I prefer the medical definition. I don't know why you're so hung up about it. Butthurt, apparently it's real.
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Autumn Crow Go ahead find me
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Michael Z. Williamson Well, except for the fact that we don't use the medical dictionary for colloquial or legal definitions. Or social ones.

Find you? You REALLY don't want to make that challenge on this wall. Andrew, want to play?
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Autumn Crow Hahahaaaa
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Autumn Crow I kind of do. I kind of don't. I don't think you're bluffing. But I'm interested.
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Buddy Ellis You're the one who insisted, twice, that fat was only used correctly as a noun. I mean the changing the subject, ad hom, it might work for you in your college debate class but it don't fly in the real world, so practice up buttercup.
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Michael Z. Williamson If he's awake and interested. I'm actually editing in between comments, so I'm not losing any productive time.

Hmm.."Efficient government," profiling, racism, ageism, fat shaming, ableism. We may have an actual Nazi here. You don't see them in public often.

But I don't know if you're interesting enough to bother with once I wake up. DragonCon approaches and I have presentations to prepare for.
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Jim Bellmore This is hilarious! Michael Z. Williamson - are you bringing her to Dragon Con?
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Andrew Kirch I don't have time to find her, can't she just go give herself a shower?
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Joseph Capdepon II She also claims to be half Israeli, half Native American, but she looks like she would burst into flame if the sun hit her.
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Andrew Kirch right if she's jewish and fascist she can give herself a shower, why does this require my intervention? She's a self-solving problem.
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Jan 30, 201801:26PM

What he has is called a "weed burner." They're sold in literally every hardware store in the country and have been for at least 50 years. They cost about $30 unless you put a fancy shell over them. They require a propane tank.

Literally almost every farm, and every landowner with an acre or more, owns one to control brush and weeds.

Congratulations, urban liberals! You've discovered "Fire"!

And just as with every discovery, you want the government to save you from your own imagined stupidity.

Sample comments from various articles:

"It's just a matter of time before someone walks into their office, torches it, drops this thing on the ground and runs! Then what?"

So...just like anyone could do with a can of gasoline, or a jar of gasoline and a wick? (A "wick" is a flammable textile used to bring flame to a fuel for purposes of ignition.)

"They need to ban these before someone sets California on fire!"

California gets set on fire all the time. Also, CA already has a law that requires permission from the fire marshal for any kind of burning. it's almost as if fire existed before you discovered it last week!

"It's bonkers that these aren't considered a firearm!"

Not really. A firearm discharges a projectile by means of an explosive propellant in a fixed cartridge. This does not use explosive, a fixed cartridge, nor fire a projectile. Therefore, it is not a firearm. You don't just randomly get to declare things "firearms" because they scare you.

I'm going to say he was stoned off his ass. Slow reflexes, munchies, poor cognitive function.

The Hispanic guy grabs his food and goes.

IodT pulls in at an angle to the pay window, and apparently had already forgotten his order, so repeats an entirely new order to the cashier.

Everyone else is still waiting.

I finally pull around him, with a trailer, to the front window, and say, "Since stoner back there is still confused: Mine was two steak bagels, $11.10. Can I just give you exact change and get out of here?"

Feb 09, 201711:23PM

You've all seen the meme of comparing unvetted immigrants to skittles. It's a poor metaphor, as many are, and this guy calls it out (my comments to follow):

Now, he's 100% correct that it's a poor metaphor. After that, every word he writes is incorrect, including "The," "and" and "of."

There will be brief pause while I drink enough Scotch to numb the agony my neurons suffer having to read this again as I refute.

Here we go:

1: You're not "Saving anyone from a war zone." They did that themselves when they reached Turkey. They're displaced persons, but no one is going to shoot them dead there (or, at least not for the reasons claimed). We're not picking them up in Syria (the primary nation in question) or even in A-stan to speak of. And why can't they stay in nations where there are similar languages and cultures? If I was in their place, I'd prefer Canada or the UK to say, Mongolia.

2: Let's look at the metaphor and the reality both. "I would GORGE myself on Skittles." Has he taken in any of the refugees who were here? No? Then he's lying. He intends to do nothing but be an internet virtue signaling loudmouth. If he took even one in, I'd respect him. As far as gorging himself on Skittles, that would, in fact, be very bad for his health.

But that's where the metaphor breaks down, because he wants to force those Skittles to be dumped into my childrens' candy jar as well, and in the candy stores, and in the freebies at doctors' offices, so it's not just his life at stake. He arrogates to himself the right to expose everyone else to the poison.

And it's not just poison. Some of the Skittles/"refugees" are known to explode and take others with them, and butcher children's genitalia, and disfigure their own women, and attack local Western women for failing to meet their standards, and even molest children because of "Sexual emergency," as the defense in an Austrian case read.

3: And when he dies? Well, he expects others to die following his lead. (But again, he has yet to make any effort to actually do this, the internet hero). From his stupidity, in an attempt to prove he's not racist (we'll come back to that) (HINT: he's racist), we're supposed to learn that it's a good thing to embrace potentially hazardous unknowns.

He also conveniently glosses over the fact that these displaced persons will each need money and support. For each one we take in, one of our people is not getting that same help. It either requires a lot of people to step up with money and housing (but not him, obviously), or it critically impacts our economy.

Oh, and they're going to need jobs, which last I heard were in short supply. So apparently, "liberals" do believe Trump can fix the economy. Or else they were too busy virtue-signaling to think.

4: He offers no explanation for how this makes the world a better place. The US already gives away literal megatons of food, sends ships with supplies, generators, water distillation equipment to most major disasters, and takes in 40,000-70,000 a year in legal refugees, AND STILL IS RIGHT NOW, other than from 7 of the countries 0bama had a tendency drone-strike with regularity. And now they're pissed at us. Go figure.

5: "Racist." The default bleat of a "liberal" cocksucker who has no logical argument to make.

A: "Muslim" is not a race.

B: Muslims were not named, only everyone from given nations, INCLUDING the Jewish, Christian and Atheist residents who are at more risk there than other Muslims.

C: In fact, per the USG, Arabs are "White." So are Persians. They're also Asian, due to the "liberal" need to pigeonhole everyone, because Israelis, Koreans, Yupiks, Turks and Sri Lankans all look alike, I guess. So, who's actually the racist here? And Afgans are Asian, but indistinguishable from Pakistanis...who are still allowed to enter the US. So no, "Race," or what "liberals" like to claim is race, has nothing to do with it. Grow up.

6: And is his life worth more than theirs? Apparently so, because this racist cock still doesn't have a single fucking "Refugee" in his house.

And yes, I value my life, and my childrens' lives, over a random stranger's. Though unlike the shitbag, I actually did put mine on the line for 25 years in the US military, and went to that part of the world twice, and served on several humanitarian missions in the US.

So he can go fuck himself, because he's a fucking pussy.

Try this simple test:

Go pick up a random homeless person right now, and put them in your house.

Literally every statement in this op ed is counterfactual. That level of "Error" is impossible without deliberate intellectual fraud and dishonesty. From this alone, any statement you'd make on any subject would lack credibility in any professional setting.

So what I'm hearing is SUNYC is a worthless diploma mill with "professors" who are unable to grasp facts or present them honestly.

I see you are a Cornell "grad." I had already concluded from previous incidents that Cornell no longer has any credibility as an institute of "learning."

Do not attempt to argue with me on this subject. I have 25 years military and a decade civilian experience in the field. You are an ignorant, hysterical fool. It is a shame and disgrace to our nation that you are allowed to teach.

You are a disgrace to intellectual honesty, morally corrupt, a complete fraud.and an overpaid welfare case wasting our tax dollars.

Thanks

Mike

--

Robert Spitzer <Robert.Spitzer@cortland.edu>

2:52 PM (41 minutes ago)

to me

Hello Mr. Williamson, thanks for your email. As you fail to cite any specific instance of “counterfactual” information in my op-ed, there is little to say, other than that I’m perfectly comfortable standing behind the information and arguments I present, and that I really did obtain my graduate degrees at Cornell University. And SUNY Cortland is a fine public undergraduate-oriented institution of higher education, although it does not need my stamp of approval to verify that.

Mike Williamson >

3:34 PM (0 minutes ago)

to Robert

Suppressors, at most, reduce noise signature about 38dB, meaning the firearm will still be at least as loud as a nailgun. Supersonic bullets still generate supersonic cracks. The weapons are still audible. They are simply less damaging.

Since you clearly have done zero research in this subject, even a rudimentary google search, I will remind you what you should have learned about 7th grade--decibels are a logarithmic scale, so reducing from 150-170 decibels to 120-130 is significant, but the latter is still quite loud. Not to worry, no one will make any "silent" assassinations like in that documentary "Mr And Mrs Smith."

Suppressors add bulk and expense to a weapon, something criminals are unlikely to do. They also get hot in use, meaning anyone sticking it down their pants (for example) will get burned.

Would you make a similar ridiculous claim that unmuffled cars provide "safety" to pedestrians? And help police locate them?

Had you done that rudimentary search, you'd find that reducing the noise on shooting ranges, frequently made of concrete, will reduce sound pressure levels to that which "merely" require plugs, not muffs, and won't cause physical pain, and in the case of defensive shootings inside the house, help prevent damage or deafness.

You clearly not only have zero professional training, you couldn't even be bothered to use google, then passed your hysterical, hoplophobic bias off as argument from authority because of your degrees in poli sci.

You are an ignorant fraud, a moral coward, and intellectually corrupt. You have nothing of value to teach anyone in any subject.

I stand by MY statement that any institution that would certify or employ someone of your "abilities" is not credible. I've seen similar verbarrhea from other Cornell grads. It seems they stopped actually caring about content and facts sometime in the mid 80s.

I'll bet your thesis is great comedy. Researched, no doubt, from fine sources such as Mother Jones and DU.

Robert Spitzer

4:07 PM (36 minutes ago)

to me

Hello Mr. Williamson, I did not have the space to go into relative degrees of sound generated by firearms, but as you know, there are thousands of types of firearms, from derringers to elephant guns, and they generate very different levels of noise. At the firing range in particular, there are many very good ear protective devices available to resolve the noise problem for shooters. When silencers were unregulated, they were indeed used by criminals, which is why they were regulated in the first place under the 1934 NFA, and there would be considerable incentives for at least some criminals to obtain them if they were more easily available and untraceable to the owners. As for automobiles, there is a new regulation requiring electric cars to make noise when operating at low speeds for the very reason of safety. QCRkdM8jCK84ZCQ">http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/quiet-hybrid-electric-cars-must-make-noise-new-u-s-safety-rule/

Mike Williamson

This would move them from NFA to GCA. If you don't know what that means, I encourage you to do some research. They'd still be "regulated," and their purchase recorded.

They are unregulated in any number of civilized countries, including NZ. The UK only requires a valid firearm certificate to own them.

PhDs have been used in crime. Bleach has been used in crime. Carb cleaner has been used in crime. That argument is specious.

These same arguments were made about concealed carry, "assault weapons," "Saturday night specials," ad nauseum. In every case, the hyperbole was proven ridiculous.

I'd be happy to educate you on the subject, but it was obvious from the beginning that your biases and phobias trump your rational brain.

I did not mention electic cars, and we're not discussing bows (which are much quieter than firearms). Would you argue that a gasoline or diesel powered car shouldn't be quieted at all, for "Safety"? BTW, the early suppressors were modeled off car mufflers.

Suppressors don't "silence" anything. The quietest setup I'm aware of is still about 115 decibels. That's a fairly bulky .22 rifle that no one has ever used in a murder I'm aware of.

As far as a "readily available" "unregulated" silencer, that's called a 2 liter soda bottle, or an oil flter, and some duct tape. Again, this is readily findable on google in 30 seconds, complete to Youtbue videos (though you should be aware that most of those cameras don't accurately record sound). If any gangbanger wanted that, it would take less than a minute to fabricate, would make his weapon bulkier, and still wouldn't actually "silence" it.

Nor do laws prevent criminals from acquiring anything.

My statement stands. You are willfully ignorant and arguing from an authority you don't possess, with dishonest approach and intent.

If you decide you'd actually like to witness, or, horrors, use a suppresssed weapon on the range to understand exactly what they look, feel, sound and perform like, under professional supervision, I can arrange it.

Jan 29, 201711:06PM

I think it's just hilarious listening to Commiefornicators talk about how big, brave, California is going to quit Trumpistan and go elsewhere.

First, I'd like to address an issue that always comes up with this--the Democrat and "liberal" claim that California is a net producer revenue wise, and all us "lesser" states should be beholden to them. Notice that first we should "All pay our share to help the less fortunate among us." But as soon as they can create a claim that they pay more than they get, suddenly those poor states are a drain on their mighty wealth.

IOW, they turn into what they claim Republicans are.

There Is No Such Thing As An Intellectually Honest Democrat. There Cannot Ever Be, Because The Root Philosophy Is Based On Dishonesty And Greed.

Now, back to Cumstainfornia:

Anyone thinking this just isn't actually thinking.

First of all, a large chunk of CA's income is from air and sea ports bringing in huge amounts of goods from Asia and the Pacific, for the US. If they stop being part of America, there are three ways this plays out:

A: They continue to make the stuff available at a fair price, and simply become a de facto American protectorate.

2) If they refuse, Oregon and Washington thank them greatly for the YUGE increase in business, and CA withers and dies. The end.

c} If they get those states to go along with them, Florida, Texas, the Carolinas and Louisiana will thank them for the business and prices will go up slightly, but not a lot, because orders of scale matter, and CA withers and dies, taking OR and WA with them. The end.

Second, CA better make a good deal on that, or they can kiss the Southwestern power grid, fuel, and water from the Colorado River goodbye. We'll swap them even--one container of imported goods, one gallon of drinking water or megawatt hour of power.

Third, CA is taking 12% of the US debt, based on population. Failure to do so is grounds for the IRS to collect, with help from the US Army if needed, just like we did to those Confederate Democrats when they decided they were too good for civilized society.

Speaking of which:

Yeah, those federal installations. Those belong to the US. I guess you can keep the infrastructure, at fair market value, and 12% of the Federally owned equipment and weapons, as long as you take that debt we discussed. And if you refuse? Remember that previous civil war we just discussed?

Also, you can find your own damned troops, pilots and sailors for them, take over your own training, pay for your own goddamn defense of those sea lanes that are now your problem, not ours. You may not have actually priced what a destroyer, or even a frigate costs these days, nor an F16 in a current block, nor even a quarter million uniforms, rifles, backpacks and the relevant trucks.

So the entire proposal comes from smoking too much Medical Marijuana. If CA actually tries this, they'll be a third world country in short order.

The good news is they might actually get rid of all the illegal Mexicans. The bad news is, it will either be because their economy will be worse than Mexico's, or because they get absorbed by Mexico.

David MottMy notices on these posts are a courtesy to Mike, whom I respect, and who I'm sure understands the possible impact that they may have on his status as a speaker and vendor at various conventions.

It's really up to him if the entertainment value here is worth the impact on those other hobbies.

Also, you haven't been paying attention. He took down the first post for which I put him on notice. I presume it's because he's actually a decent human being.

Darryl AE HadfieldI... "haven't been paying attention" Because I didn't see a post that was taken down?

Your logic game needs to be stepped up a notch or 12.

As for your other comments... It's one thing to send someone a note privately - which, if we're going to talk "status as a speaker and vendor at various conventions" is probably a far better way of communicating with him.

I'ts another thing entirely to post a publicly condescending comment with an SJW-styled recrimination.

David MottI did privately ask if he'd like to receive input in a different manner; his response did not indicate a preference. In this way, I can collect screenshots that these issues have been brought to his attention.

SWJ-style? Shit, I haven't reported this post to FB yet. SWJ (often) leaves no room for conversation. That's not who I am. I know that Mike has a full plate at the moment, so this can sit here until he has bandwidth to address it.

Jun 15, 201602:18PM

Once again, we have a high profile shooting, and once again, the hysteria is out in force.

Let's start with some facts: If you don't shoot, or have only occasionally shot on a range, then your opinion on how useful an armed respondent would be is garbage. If you don't drive a car, you aren't qualified to tell professional drivers what they should have done in an accident.

Seriously, shut up, you're an idiot.

Second, everything is a cost-benefit and risk analysis. Would a defensive shooter have made a difference? We can never know. We can know that it has helped before.

Here are some ways it can help:

The defensive shooter engages the hostile. The hostile must choose to ignore, take cover, or return fire.

If he chooses to ignore it, he remains a target and the odds of him being shot increase, and if he is shot, the engagement ends, and no further lives are lost. If this happens before he quits or runs out of ammo, it is a NET POSITIVE for the group.

If he takes cover, he is not shooting for a few moments, and in that few moments, more people can escape or formulate an attack. (Barstools can be as deadly as bullets, when thrown or swung.) NET POSITIVE.

If he returns fire, anyone not in the cone near the defensive shooter is not being shot at. This is a NET POSITIVE for all those people, and a slight negative for those in the defender's immediate position.

It is possible the defender will hit a bystander in the process. However, as he is deliberately choosing a single hostile target, the odds still improve for the remainder, and if the hostile is hit, the engagement stops. This is probably still a net positive.

The defender may be hit. Negative for him, but he accepted that risk. And in those few seconds, the fact is that more victims can escape or respond. This is still a NET POSITIVE for the GROUP.

Yes, the defender may decide his best course of action is to flee. If so...there is no negative nor positive for the group. They remain as they were.

The only way to imagine a major negative is to assume that everyone carrying a gun for defense is some psychotic nutjob just waiting to break and spray bullets. There are zero studies or statistics to support this allegation.

This belief comes about from several issues. First, hoplophobia--a fear of weapons.

Occasionally, it comes from projection. A person with poor impulse control assumes everyone else likewise is prone to outbursts, and of course, if they have a gun, they might act out with it, even though that occurence is demonstrably very rare. The overwhelming majority public and/or mass shootings are premeditated. They even frequently project their small penises into the argument. (Yes, that was deliberate contempt and turnabout on my part.)

Most commonly, it comes from fear and helplessness. The promoter of these memes knows that in such an event, they'd be helpless, crying, and nothing but a victim waiting to be slaughtered. More terrifying than that is the notion that NOT EVERYONE IS. Some people might actually be able to control such a situation. This means those people are more competent than the poster. It's a frightening notion that random death can visit us, but more offensive and jealous-making is the idea that it isn't just random, that some can change the odds in their favor and not be victims.

The sheep mentality, particularly among "liberals," is that everyone must be equal--equally poor, equally ignorant, equally helpless.

The only thing more outrageous than a killer is inequality, wherein better people (sometimes) survive. The most important thing to these people is to convince the competent that they're really not, or at least convince themselves of that, even if it takes trite, ignorant meme wars and blocking those who'd inform them otherwise.

They don't want education, they cherish their ignorance and fear.

And they're what's wrong with humanity.

While some say we should pity them, I hold that their deliberate, cherished ignorance and cowardice makes them unsalvageable.

Simply remind them that they're worthless cowards, and be the best prepapred person you can be. It may not matter, but it will not hurt.

BTW, if every building has fire extinguishers, why do we still have fires?

Feb 17, 201610:05PM

Several of us were having a nice, friendly sargasm when this person stopped by to tell all of us she knows more about us than we do, what horrible people we are, and why can't we be just like her ideal?

Michael Z. Williamson He is, but is he practicing Jew or just sort of Jewish?

James Stepanek he's not practicing at all from what I understand

George Avery Lieberman was the first Jewish candidate for President OR Vice President. We have never had a Jewish President or Vice President. Barry Goldwater was of Jewish ancestry, but an Episcopalian.

Ivan Batinic Fuck you and your Trump -ass holiness

Garry Hamilton Jewish or not, active or not, his deep commitment to the principles of communism is more important and significant.

Garry Hamilton Ivan Batinic ... ???

Ivan Batinic I don't think he's communist. But I should not assume that meant you wee pro Trump. I hate texting.

Catherine Baker If only you understood what communism was, but then you wouldn't be an murikan.

Garry Hamilton A little research will help with that. I'm married to a researcher. I get that stuff for free. He's a commie. I'm not gonna bother with nuance and hedging. And I don't give a rat's rectum who the GOP puts up, I will vote for him and campaign for him. There is no scenario where I vote for a communist or a pathological liar/traitor, and that's all the Dems have put forward this time out.

Michael Z. Williamson There are Dems I will vote for. Hillary, Bernie and Trump are not three of them. Yes, Trump is much closer to a Dem than a Rep. Bernie is a socialist, not a liberal, and Hillary is a right-statist. I also wasn't born an American, know exactly what a communist is, and can even invoke former Soviets to discuss it with you. In fact, let me do that. Nicki Kenyon, Oleg Volk, please enlighten the lady. Tossing around ego will not get you anywhere on my wall.

Nicki Kenyon

Nicki Kenyon I just love how American born ignorants who have never lived the horror try to privilegesplain to those of us who have what communism is. I'm so done with these people!

Henry Willard Garry, the kind of Scandinavian-style Nordic capitalism/social democracy that Bernie Sanders promotes and communism aren't even in the same wing of economic spectrum. The Nordic model works within the capitalist system -- private ownership of enterprise still runs the show from the industrial level down to the small business level. What social democracy, or 'democratic socialism' does, is to have a universal redistributionist policy where the goal is to create as much financial equality -and- individual financial autonomy as possible. In Nordic countries, their corporations and capital are seen to serve their own citizens, as opposed to the United States where a handful of private individuals (regardless of their nationality and regardless of what they intend to do with that money) can own and extract huge streams of money from the American economy and do whatever they want with it, even if its antagonistic to American interests. You might not agree with Nordic capitalism, but it is not communism, because there is no command economy there. If you still believe it to be, can you please share with us your broad definition of communism? Because if in your view communism means 'redistribution' (which is not correct), then I have news for you: the US is by that definition communist, because the government redistributes billions of dollars from taxpayers to wealthy corporations. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_model

Michael Z. Williamson Henry Willard Actually, the government redistributes money FROM corporations, which is to say, from the customers. And your definition of US capitalism is biased to the point of caricature.

Garry Hamilton I've lived in Scandinavia. Several years. Had a couple of marriages, a couple of kids there. The idealized perception that some Americans have of Denmark is quite distorted. I'm sure that, with actual research, this could be corrected, but research doesn't seem to be in vogue lately. When I tell you that we really don't want Denmark in America, it's not derived from rumors, biased reportage, or Wikipedia. My love for the Danes does not transfer to their system of government. Socialism really, really doesn't work. You can flavor it all you like, but it's fundamentally broken. What is this obsession with trying to find the clean end of that turd? It's busted. Quit confirming Einstein's definition of insanity, and let's embrace the only thing that has lifted mankind out of its native state of poverty. Command economies don't work. Parasite economies don't work. Free enterprise works. Let's do that.

Henry Willard Where did you live in Denmark? What did you do? I'm sorry if I sound skeptical, but half the conservatives I've spoken to about it have apparently lived in Scandinavia, which I find an astounding fact. I've traveled there and have friends who live in Copenhagen and Stavanger, so I don't really account your argument for authority to hold much weight because I know the economies are doing well by virtually any metric. Do you believe Denmark to be a command economy, and why do you think their system of government is flawed? Having lived there, I'm sure you're aware, the government has no control of industrial production and companies like Novo Nordisk and Mærsk do, and all of the Scandinavian countries (including Denmark) have a higher % of small business employment and a higher % of self-employment than the USA does. So by what measure is Denmark a 'command economy' and by what metrics are you judging these economies? Denmark has a higher standard of living than the US and an after-tax higher median income bolstered by extremely high wages compared to the US. https://cepr.net/.../publications/small-business-2009-08.pdf

Garry Hamilton I lived in Copenhagen. I was an international telex operator, among other things. My first in-laws lived in Goteborg/Gothenburg. My second in-laws lived in Farum, outside Copenhagen. He worked as an engineer for the the country's foremost elevator manufacturer. Had his own car. Free-standing house. Very well to do, by Danish standards. Capital flight laws. Horrific taxation. "Free" medical (both kids). "Free" education. Paid for with those horrific taxes. I was making low wages, and my tax rate was 40%. If it hadn't been for subsidies (via my wife) we could not have afforded our cold water flat. Higher standard of living? My "standard of living" was a freaking cold water flat. And that was subsidized, cuz Danish wife. Have you BEEN there? You have any idea what it costs to drive a stinking car over there? Like I said, the US perception is distorted and romanticized. My advice to those who want to live "like they do in Denmark" is GO LIVE THERE. If you're still happy after ten years, change your citizenship. I won't be the least bit offended. Me, I've been. I'm staying here. And I'm not adopting a parasitic taxation and "free everything" model.

Henry Willard I know people who live in Copenhagen who have the opposite experience, and I can show you some horror stories of folks who live with me here in Texas. Shall we compare and contrast? Forbes Magazine's #1 Best Country for Business? Denmark. Highest investment rating in Europe, highest monetary freedom. So tell me another one about capital flight and how it's communist, please. http://www.forbes.com/places/denmark/

Denmark - Forbes

Denmark #1 Best Countries for Business - Forbes

forbes.com

Garry Hamilton Capital flight laws may have changed. Dunno. It's been nearly forty years. I don't believe I said capital flight laws were communist. I do, however, find them oppressive. Your mileage may vary. Enjoy your stay there. I'll be here, suffering, in the States.

Adam Newton Historic/Catastrophic same difference...

*edit to add, I'm OK with Cruz being elected...

Michael Z. Williamson Only racists would oppose Cruz or question his citizenship.

Edward Lindeman I think he is a douche. does that make me a bigot?

Curtis Pritchard wow I am not a racist and I oppose Cruz and I also do not think he should be allowed to be Pres. he had a Non-American Father and born in Canada so to me I will not vote for him on that if you feel that makes me a racist then you are just wrong. it only means I have a right to choose whomever I want for whatever reason.

Michael Z. WilliamsonCurtis Pritchard No, but that makes you anti-immigrant, even though legally he's not an immigrant.

Adam NewtonMichael Williamson, or he's just willfully ignorant to the laws regarding qualification for presidency.

Curtis Pritchard I do not think it does my wife was not born here so your wrong on that as well I will not vote for any foreign born for Pres. its a preference it makes me American since I have the right to chose with my vote and Adam I am not ignorant of the Law I went to law school I just do not believe anyone should be Pres if not born on American soil.

Adam Newton What you believe or feel doesn't change what's been the law for far longer than you've been alive...

Curtis Pritchard I did not say it did what I said was my opinion which is my right and that it does not make me a racist.

Curtis Pritchard and for the record the clause being used to say he is eligible is ambiguous and can be or may need clarity by the Supreme Court

Michael Z. Williamson I need to see evidence that Hillary is female. No, not photos, thank you.

Richard K. Hopkins Those could be faked either through Photoshop or surgery.

Robert Vance Like everything else in her life.

Judy Rudek Be careful what you wish for... Rule 34, you know...

Alan French Video...

Thomas StewartAlan French I think the video has her with Janet Reno. You have been warned.

Alan French No, the one I'm thinking of is Ron Jeremy with Hillary and Maggy Thacher...

Catherine Baker So many misogynists, so little effort.

Nick Gardner And who exactly are the misogynists?

Catherine Baker As this is the first post you've made in this thread, it seems likely that you are not under discussion. Isn't that nice?

Michael Z. Williamson Not at all. There are numerous women qualified to be president. Hillary is not one of them. Just as there are many black men qualified to be president. 0bama is not one of them. I don't think Trump or Bernie are qualified either. That doesn't make me anti-business or anti-semitic. Hillary is a detestable human being. Were she theoretically male, I'd ask for proof she was actually a man. But we can easily see who the sexist is in the thread.

Catherine Baker And who better than a white man to explain, using small words, to wimmenz and blacks just what moveable bar they need to jump to be 'qualified'. Yes, yes, you can name THOUSANDS of black men who would be qualified. Or ten. Maybe. Because... black. Or wimmenz.

Michael Z. Williamson Catherine Baker Obviously, you came here to insult people, not have a debate. I bet you wonder why no one likes you.

Michael Z. Williamson Catherine Baker Oh, yes, some of your family were immigrants. Well, that makes it all okay, then. The only racist and sexist in the thread is you. In fact, you seem to know everything about every segment of society, and can tell people you've never met exactly what they're thinking and why they're wrong about it. Perhaps there's a point in there.

Robert Boyer Fuck you Catherine. How about that? If someone disagrees with you then they're a misogynist. Eat a slimy dick. There you should feel great. That's what I would tell a man who was an asshole.

Nathan Gayle Maybe, She has the,"Gift," us Menz lack...

Michael Z. Williamson I don't think anyone here is anti-woman. Just anti-Catherine, because she's obnoxious. If everyone you meet is an "ist," it could be you're the noun they're ist against, not any group.

Rick Drayson Why is it that in an age where so many Feminists are pushing to end the stereotype that females are illogical, none too intelligent and overly emotional that there are so many Feminists like Catherine Baker being fucking stupid sexist illogical retards

Brad Johnson I've been watching this thread for a while now, from what I've seen all you have done is reply to fairly civil discourse with nothing but insults and condescension. BTW: you do know that there is a difference between "immigrate" and "emigrate" right?

Rick DraysonBrad Johnson Can't take the Cunt out of Feminist

Brad Johnson Well, there are feminists and Feminists. One you can actually have a civil discussion with and the other is pretty much this.

Rick DraysonBrad Johnson What mythological creature do you speak of? I have only met the vile man hating rabid cultist(feminist) and the people who ASSume that they are feminist without knowing one thing about feminist ideology

Michael Z. Williamson I think there should be more women in this thread. Amanda Fuesting, Heather Morgan, are you free?

Rick DraysonMichael Z. Williamson The number of female anti-feminists is very heartening and certainly growing. (me assuming that those two you mentioned are that)

Catherine Baker If only women would state their views in a manner pleasing to men. That's the problem, right there. Not saying shit men don't want to hear in a way they'll be happy to hear it.

Brad Johnson No, the problem is you being rude and obnoxious. Simple as that. If you can't manage simple civility then you are worthy only of scorn and insults. Male or female makes no difference in that regard. BTW you never answered my question: Do you know the difference between "immigrate" and "emigrate?"

Rick Drayson Catherine Baker Did Daddy walk out on you and Mumma? There is no better time than the present to start talking about your hatred of men which is normally caused by Daddy issues

Catherine Baker Offering an opinion while female. I guess its almost as offensive as accepting Hillary as female without getting to personally finger her to be really sure. But why would anyone find that comment rude? Its just being politically thorough, and a woman who would find that offensive obviously has daddy issues. Cuz... well, they're female, so duh.

Michael Z. Williamson Catherine Baker But you demand men express opinions in a manner pleasing to women. Sexist.

Michael Z. Williamson Catherine Baker Gender is distinct from sex. One can be physically one sex and identify chromosomally or psychologically as either or both. So you're also transphobic. Looks like anyone who disagrees with you is somehow wrong, and you're right about everything. You know more about communism than escaped Soviets, more about Judaism than practicing Jews, more about immigration than immigrants, more about Hispanic issues than Hispanics. All of us were having a discussion and some humor at the whole thing, and you stomped in to tell us we're all wrong and some sort of ---ist because you don't like it. You're a complete piece of shit. And you'd still be a complete piece of shit if you were a trangender black atheist male.

John Kincaid Read this whole side thread. Shook my head wondering why someone would start shit like this. Dropping a bullshit comment meant to inflame people that had nothing to do with the original post. If you get butthurt over your treatment here Catherine, just refer to this jewel posted on your wall:

Brett Bowen Let me get this straight. Not endorsing Obama or Hillary means you are a racist or a sexist. Did I get that right? And thinking they are terrible for the position means that you are arbitrarily moving the bar because you're a racist, sexist, patriarchal menace? Boils down to: you can't disagree with any of her designated candidates without being an "ist". And no defensible arguments have been put forth.

Robert Boyer She's a misandrist ass. Simple as that.

Heather Morgan I say shit men don't like all the time. I say shit women don't like too. The difference, dear special snowflake, is knowing why and when it's appropriate. And feminists don't see men as scary or hateful. We're supposed to be equal you twat, not special. Sexism is treating others different because of gender. So far Catherine, all i see is you. Way to play the victim. Do you carry your own outline chalk too?

Pater Familias What makes one a "Jew"? A theological belief or DNA? Consider what makes one a Muslim? Theology or DNA? Can one believe a theology and not practice it? If one does not practice a theology does one truely believe it? How would you know? If one claims to be something and does not live according to what that thing is what then is that person actually? A liar? A hypocrite? A fool? How much does one's DNA influence their behavior & beliefs? How would you know? What is more important, DNA, stated beliefs or pattern and practice of behavior?

Steve Shook You can be a Jew by DNA or Theology, but you can only be a Muslim by theology.

Catherine Baker Obviously there is only one right or wrong answer, and I suspect you're in charge of setting the parameters.

Garry Hamilton Traditionally, "Jewish-ness" is transmitted through the maternal side. I had this explained to me once, but I must confess I didn't quite grasp why that is. In the moslem world, I've been told that the son of a moslem is presumptively moslem. From what I understand, it's bad juju (like capital-bad) for a moslem's son to adopt a different faith. Again, my understanding is thin here.

Steve Shook Science sets the rules, even though you can convert into Judaism itself the truth is Jews are a race of people, Muslims are not in anyway a singular race, regardless of anyone's philosophical prattle that remains an unalterable fact.

Ivan Batinic OMG. I'm ducking out -- Ciao!

Catherine Baker Ah, the confession. "Why iz wimmenz impoortant?" is a good question, and obviously "They not ever" is the answer. Your understanding isn't thin, it's Murikan! and therefore cannot be thicked, which is just eurononsense anyway.

Steve Shook Catherine Baker What's that all about?

Garry Hamilton She presumes to know the mind of someone across the interwebz. There is no clue, but at least there's certainty.

Michael Z. Williamson Jews actually do generally have genetic markers, being an insular people for the last several thousand years. Muslims are much broader spread, more proselytizing, and can be of any genetics whatsoever including South Asian, Pacific, East Asian, Altaic, Caucasian, North African and Berber, Central African, South African and any mix in between.

Garry Hamilton It was asked. I proposed an answer. If the answer is wrong, I can always be enlightened. Not by a troll, of course, but a little light is always welcome.

Michael Z. WilliamsonGarry Hamilton You were correct.

Catherine Baker Troll: someone who doesn't agree with you

Michael Z. Williamson Catherine Baker As you have proven, repeatedly.

Steve Shook

Robert Boyer No a fucking douche like you, Kitty. There, I ensmalled your name, go and cry foul.

Michael Z. Williamson Catherine Baker wommenz weren't even mentioned in this thread, other than as a legitimate part of Jewish tradition. So, your own statements mark you so far as anti-semitic, racist, sexist, and anti-immigrant. Do you want to tell Nicki Kenyon all about communism now, since she escaped from the USSR in the 80s and obviously can't know anything about the subject?

Robert Boyer A non Liberal female's opinion means nothing.

Steve Weinberg I think trying to parse Judaism as a "race" vs. a "theology" is going to be.... complicated. How much DNA do my German and Lithuanian forbears share? With the Sephardim? With the Ethiopians? I will note that there does to be some genetic commonality in the Cohain caste.

Eric Tank Nicki, I suspect masochism is at play - they seem to seek him out.

Michael Z. WilliamsonNicki Kenyon I have no idea where she showed up from. Not my Flist.

Michael Z. Williamson Catherine Baker has explained it, Steve Weinberg. What do you know? You're only a Jew. And male.

Nicki KenyonEric Tank possibly. I've always thought Mike was a bit of a nut magnet. Must be why he and I get along so well.

Eric Tank He certainly prompts interesting conversations. Which most of us really appreciate, especially the parts that drive the rest to frothing at the mouth.

Jason Cordova Please. I doubt that Vermin Supreme would be our first lunatic president.

Michael Z. Williamson He might be our best.

Jason Cordova I'll give you that

Robert Boyer First openly lunatic.

Brad Johnson

Rachel Dunlop Oh shit the lizard people have figured out how to access the internet!

Doug Harrell My herpetology is weak. My first impression was that the picture is a komodo, rather than a monitor. However, after exhaustive research, I have concluded you are not dragon the wrong lizard into the comments...

Ray FicaraDoug Harrell Komodos are monitorts. THe largest of the genus. BTW I used to have 5 at work reclining in a hot tub all day. They thought we were their maids.

Dave M West Jr Cruz would also be the first president who isn't a natural born citizen...

Seth Breidbart Not even close. George Washington was the first.

Dave M West Jr A fair point, but it doesn't make Cruz any more eligible.

Phillip Miehm Do you even citizenship? American mother, natural born American citizen. So, unless you have evidence that she renounced her citizenship at some point prior to his birth, Cruz is eligible. Even if he is an idiot.

James R McCain Jr Only for idiots who dont know what a natural born citizen is as evidently you do not.

Dave M West Jr Sure if you have no clue what the law actually says. Being called idiot by an idiot is actually a pretty strong compliment.

Phillip Miehm Luckily for us, you are wrong. Ted Cruz is as much a natural born citizen as I am.

Dave M West Jr Nope. Born in Canada to a US citizen and a Cuban national. Non-military births outside US territories require BOTH parents to be US citizens for the child to be considered a 'natural born citizen' which is a requirement of being the US president. Last time I checked Canada was a sovereign nation outside of US territory. All of this is easily researched if you're interested in actual knowledge instead of simple bias confirmation. Something tells me you aren't though.